IBM visualizes single molecule structureNews & Analysis 8/27/2009 Post a commentScientists at IBMs Zurich laboratory have succeeded to visualize the structure of an individual molecule using non-contact atomic force microscopy (AFM). The move is a further step to a still very distant future: Molecular electronics.

Startup rewrites NXP’s legacy in 3D passive integrationNews & Analysis 8/27/2009 Post a commentEconomic crises can have positive as well as negative impacts. Thus, if NXP had not divested its wireless business and decided to sell its integrated passives device unit near Caen, Normandy (France), Ipdia would not have emerged with an ambition to deliver next-generation 3D-SiP modules for various applications, including advanced LED modules.

Dresden is like Silicon Valley: hungry talent & excellent educationNews & Analysis 8/27/2009 1 commentHow comes that the Dresden area is the most remarkable center for start-up activities in Germany? The answer is that in the town, all ingredients necessary such as excellent mathematical education and a generation of engineers with great ideas meet. The ignition spark, however, has been imported from the U.S. – in person of Gerhard Fettweis, professor at the Dresden Technical University. In the interview Fettweis explains what are the essentials for start-up friendly environments and which techn

Simplifying design of industrial process-control systems with PLC evaluation boards (Part 1 of 2)Design How-To 8/24/2009 1 comment
PLC evaluation board applications for industrial process-control systems are diverse, ranging from simple traffic control to complex electrical power grids, from environmental control systems to oil-refinery process control. This two-part series looks at using a PLC evaluation board to simplify design, with a practical example application outlined including schematics and tutorial on using the system.

Tower, Jazz team with SVTC on MEMS for aerospace, defenseNews & Analysis 8/20/2009 Post a commentTower Semiconductor Ltd. (Migdal Haemek, Israel) and its U.S. subsidiary Jazz Semiconductor Inc. (Newport Beach, Calif.) have announced an agreement signed with SVTC Technologies LLC to provide SVTC's aerospace and defense customers with access to Jazz process technologies and manufacturing facilities.

TSMC on equipment spending spreeNews & Analysis 8/17/2009 Post a commentTSMC is on a buying spree, spending more than $250 million on semiconductor capital equipment in recent weeks, according to regulatory filings made by the silicon foundry giant.

Robotics quest part 2: the wisdom of the audienceIndustrial Control DesignLine Blog 8/12/2009 1 commentLast week, I discussed my quest for a robotics project for my nephew, hopefully something that we could both be involved in. I have compiled some of the responses to my original question and am going to share some of these nuggets of information.

Chip gear sales propel Applied above expectationsNews & Analysis 8/11/2009 Post a commentApplied Materials exceeded analyst expectations for sales and earnings for the quarter ended July 26, as a sequential increase in semiconductor equipment revenue offset declines in sales of gear used in the production of solar panels and displays.